NEW: Trump’s inner circle believes Zelensky should leave Ukraine "immediately".

“The best option for Zelensky and the world would be his immediate departure to France.”

Source: NY Post

Another one: A weird salute by Steve Bannon at CPAC.

80 French military personnel will stay in Ivory Coast for training as France hands over a key base in Abidjan.

Defence Minister Lecornu: "We’re not disappearing."

JD Vance:

Ukraine exists only thanks to the generosity of the United States, and Zelensky should say "thank you" instead of traveling around Europe criticizing Trump.

The US Secretary of State Rubio allowed for a "limited" easing of anti-Russian sanctions if Russia begins to take steps that Washington prefers.

Source: NYT

NEW: U.S. Republican lawmakers introduce bill to withdraw from the United Nations.

The proposed legislation calls for a complete U.S. exit from the UN, including halting funding for the organization and its agencies and banning participation in peacekeeping missions.

Russia is preparing to declare “victory” in the war against Ukraine & NATO by February 24, Ukraine’s Intelligence Directorate (GUR) claims.

NEW: Russia has launched a railway connection between Rostov-on-Don, Mariupol, Volnovakha, and Donetsk.

The new railway line, located in the “deep rear,” is expected to streamline military logistics and reduce the Russian Army’s dependence on the Crimean Bridge.

Russian Army training goes WRONG.

IS terror plot foiled in Turkey. Turkish police arrested Uzbek national Abdulmalik A. in Istanbul for plotting large-scale attacks on synagogues & Jewish schools. He was in direct contact with Daesh’s leadership and entered Turkey legally. Authorities uncovered coded messages revealing his deadly mission. Security is now tightened at potential targets.

UK appoints a Mandarin-speaking diplomat as its next ambassador to China. Peter Wilson, son of ex-Hong Kong Governor David Wilson, will take on the high-stakes role amid improving China-UK ties. Wilson, a former UK ambassador to Brazil & the Netherlands, has years of Beijing experience & once worked under Boris Johnson.

With PM Keir Starmer set to visit China, Britain's Labour government is shifting gears after years of diplomatic tension.

China's Vice Premier He Lifeng will have a video call with the U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to communicate important issues in the economic field between the two countries, the foreign ministry said.

The U.S. removed all pro-Ukrainian language from the G7 statement on the third anniversary of the war to avoid disrupting peace talks.

Source: NYT

European Parliament Member Mika Aaltola:

The United States has given us three weeks to agree on terms for Ukraine's surrender. If we don't, the United States will withdraw from Europe.

Somali National Army and state-loyal local militias have been conducting large-scale operations against al Shabaab through the Shabelle River.

Meanwhile Al-Shabaab militants conducted attacks on government forces' bases in Middle Shabelle, Somalia. The group said a large-scale offensive targeting bases in Ail Ali Ahmed, Ali Foldiri, Dar al-Na'ma, Al-Kawthar, Ail Barf, and Adili. Local sources reported that militants captured Ceel Baraf, Cali Fool-Dhere, Daaru Nimca, Alkowzar, Ceel Axmad.

Ukraine may ban Russian music as petition gains required signatures for cabinet review.

BREAKING:

Israel’s security service arrests an Israeli citizen for allegedly driving one of the suspects who dropped bombs in buses yesterday.

IRGC commander:

Israel will be wiped out in a major attack at the right time.

Trump replaces historic Oval Office desk, wiped booger on by Elon Musk’s son.

The Resolute Desk, gifted by Queen Victoria in 1880, has been in the Oval Office since 1961.

Trump, known for his germophobia, says it will be returned after minor restoration.

Source: NY Post